The standard view of this forum does not always work well with assistive technology. We also provide a simpler view, which still contains all features. Switch to simple view.
Your user profile image

Sarah Bundock-Day Post 1

• 17 March 2026, 1:50 PM

Review of guidelines

  • How accurately do the guidelines reflect your experiences of working in any MDT?

The MND specialist nurses are an incredible resource within the acute trust. They are able to liaise with medical team and the therapists to improve outcomes for people with MND.  The 'patient' has a key contact and a familiar face when liaising with healthcare professionals. The specialist nurses are able to follow up patients as outpatients and review them on the ward if admitted.

The guidelines are 'best practice' and i am aware in times of great pressure i.e flu outbreaks or being on Operational Pressures Escalation Level 3/4 then we are unable to deliver the best practice which negatively impacts patient's wellbeing and heath outcomes. This can also impact the moral f staff and cause undue stress at times of extreme pressure. 

  • How well do you feel they capture the essential functions of a MDT?

I feel that the guidelines provide a good summary of the essential functions of the MDT. They provide an accurate overview of each disciplines clinical expertise and areas that their practice primarily focuses on. However the reality that in each county / trust the individua undertaking each aspect of care may change i.e palliative nurses prescribing air mattresses or OT discussing simple communication aids.  

  • What do you consider are the greatest challenges for the MDT approach when applied to MND?

I feel that the greatest challenges to MDT working in the NHS is reduced staffing and poor communication.  The community therapist are under vast pressure and they may not necessarily be specialists in MND when reviewing patients at home. There is 8-10 week wait to be reviewed by some community teams. The community and acute OT /PT are unable to discuss or hand patients over easily. Moreover, there have been instances where i have been in an MDT meeting and we have been without the SLT / specialist nurse due to reduced staffing but this has impacted the care provided to patient and limited the discussion. Furthermore, different disciplines will have differing criteria for when they will accept referrals for patients so this has impacted the care provided in the community and on the ward.